The Latest: Judge, defense butt heads at Menendez trial

Opening statements are being delayed in the corruption trial of U.S. Sen Bob Menendez, but that hasn’t lowered the tension in the courtroom between the judge and the defense.

An attorney for the New Jersey Democrat accused the judge Wednesday of disparaging Menendez in his opinion denying Menendez’s motion to postpone the trial on days of important Senate votes.

U.S. District Judge William Walls continually interrupted to deny the allegation.

Walls also chided defense attorneys for filing a motion on what to include in jury instructions at the end of the trial.

When attorney Abbe Lowell pointed out that the motion was filed according to the judge’s order from last December, Walls replied, “Fine. Bill me.”

Opening statements were delayed Wednesday to seat one regular juror and two alternate jurors.

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10:30 a.m.

Three more jurors need to be selected before opening statements can begin in U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial.

Federal prosecutors and defense lawyers were choosing a juror Wednesday to replace one who informed the court last week that they couldn’t serve. Judge William Walls on Wednesday also ruled that there should be six alternate jurors, instead of four.

The New Jersey Democrat arrived at the federal courthouse in Newark for the start of a trial that will examine whether he lobbied for Florida ophthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen’s business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts.

Melgen is on trial with Menendez.

Menendez says that “not once have I dishonored my public office.” Both men have pleaded not guilty.

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9:20 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez says, “Not once have I dishonored my public office,” as he arrives at a New Jersey courthouse for the start of his federal corruption trial.

The New Jersey Democrat arrived at the federal courthouse in Newark on Wednesday for the start of a trial that will examine whether he lobbied for Florida ophthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen’s business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts.

Melgen is on trial with Menendez.

Menendez has vehemently denied the allegations. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

A conviction could potentially alter the makeup of a deeply divided U.S. Senate. If Menendez is convicted and forced to step down before New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leaves office in January, the Republican would pick his replacement.

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1 a.m.

Opening statements are set to begin in the corruption trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and a wealthy friend.

The trial will examine whether the New Jersey Democrat lobbied for Florida ophthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen’s business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts.

The indictment also alleges Menendez pressured State Department officials to give visas to three young women described as Melgen’s girlfriends.

Menendez has vehemently denied the allegations and both men have pleaded not guilty.

The trial is scheduled to get underway Wednesday in Newark.

A conviction could potentially alter the makeup of a deeply divided U.S. Senate. If Menendez is convicted and forced to step down before New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leaves office in January, the Republican would pick his replacement.